You can be very creative with this recipe. The number of possible topping combinations is endless.

Technique tip: Shred the lettuce as thin as possible to achieve a great texture.

Swap option: Ground turkey works well in this recipe. You may have to add a tablespoon of oil to compensate for the lower fat content.

Ingredients

Tacos

1 pound ground beef

1½ teaspoon salt, divided

1½ teaspoons cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup minced onion

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup cilantro

Eight 6-inch corn tortillas

Toppings

1 cup sour cream

1 cup chopped tomatoes

2 cups shredded lettuce

1/2 cup sliced scallions

2 tablespoons thinly sliced jalapeños

Preparation

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of the salt, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, pepper and paprika in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.

2. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add the onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 2 minutes, add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Set onions and garlic in a bowl and set aside.

3. In the same sauté pan, add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes until almost completely cooked. Drain and discard any excess fat.

4. Return the ground beef to the heat, add 1½ tablespoons of the seasoning mixture, cilantro and the onion and garlic mixture and stir to combine.

5. Char the tortillas over an open flame if you have a gas grill, or warm them in the oven. Place about a 1/4 cup ground beef in each tortilla, top with sour cream, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, scallions and jalapeños.